Greens campaigning for bureaucracy, rather than all of us

“The Greens have just promised to cancel $2.4 billion in public service savings that could otherwise fund better healthcare, education, infrastructure, police and defence,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“The Green’s ‘For all of us’ slogan is ringing hollower by the day. Last week they were saying ‘Ka kite’ to business owners who employ hundreds, this week they seem to have forgotten about everyone outside Wellington who doesn’t wear a lanyard to work.

“Taxpayers are already paying more than $1 million an hour just servicing interest on Government debt. We can’t afford to have a government that is nearly twice the size of Japan when balancing the books is the priority.

“Outside protected frontline services, Government is spending 20 per cent more than it did in 2017, even after adjusting for inflation and population growth. Does anyone seriously believe New Zealanders are getting 20 per cent better public services?

“The Greens say they want to protect the public service, but nowhere do they mention the people paying for it. The question that political parties need to be asking is whether taxpayers are getting value for money.

“ACT’s fully-costed Fiscal Plan returns Government spending outside protected frontline services (Health, Education, Police, Defence, and the Ministry for Children) to 2017 levels, after adjusting for inflation and population growth.

"Change must start at the top. It is not credible for ministers to demand public sector savings while there are more ministers in the New Zealand Government than most countries, including nearly twice as many as the Government of Japan. Excessive governance doesn’t just send the wrong signal, it is inefficient. ACT will reduce the number of ministers and departments to 19 departments and 18 ministers.

“We will use the savings to funds practical improvements such as allowing pharmacists to treat more common conditions and take tax off KiwiSaver. After that, we still have $12.4 billion in savings, allowing us to balance the books with no new taxes while funding better services.

“New Zealand doesn't need a bigger Government. It needs a Government that does a better job with the money it already takes from hardworking taxpayers.

“ACT is campaigning to cut the waste, grow the country, and unlock New Zealand’s potential.”